Ohio's REALTORS are a remarkable bunch

In the midst of the traditional spring home buying season, hundreds of REALTORS journeyed to Columbus for the betterment of our industry. And they did so in an environment where housing markets throughout the Buckeye State been facing severe challenges since the start of the Great Recession in 2008.

Yet, despite the economic uncertainty, the market is showing hopeful signs of improving and the REALTORS attending the organization's meetings truly embodied the can-do spirit that will help us reach full recovery. The events of our three-day meeting confirm that the long-term prospects are bright for our profession and the American Dream.

The biggest reason why I'm most proud of my chosen profession is the fact that so many of my peers from throughout Ohio can gather together, explore and discuss the issues of the day and reach a consensus on how to improve the climate for both the industry and property owners.

This was never more evident than during the Ohio Association of REALTORS recent Spring Conference held May 23-25, in Columbus. Nearly 400 REALTORS from across the Buckeye State gathered in Columbus' beautiful Easton area to deliberate on the issues confronting our industry and the rights of property owners. These folks took time away from their daily business and families to work for the advancement of our profession.

Lest you think it was all work...we, being REALTORS and all, were able to mix in some fun as well.

I'd like to share with you some of the highlights from the Conference:

• The MLS Forum featured guest speakers Jeff Young, senior vice president of operations, and Ernie Bottom, industry relations manager, REALTORS Property Resource, highlighting NAR's nationwide property information database.
• A "Lunchbox Economic" session, presented jointly by the Economics Issues & Trends and Housing Needs forums, featured Candy DeClark, a CPA and attorney, who highlighted the changes in tax laws, maximizing profitability, incorporating, tax mistakes and tax issues REALTORS should know about.
• The Professional Standards Forum discussed the Grievance Panel Review Process Part II--dealing with complainants, basis for hearing vs. trying the case and routine hearings.
• Hundreds of REALTORS earned CE credit with a timely education session on "Investment Strategies & Energy Tax Credits for Homeowners." Thanks to the co-sponsorship of the Ohio CRS Chapter, instructor Christopher Bird, CRS, was on hand to provide insights that will help everyone become more productive.
• In what is one our "don't miss" events of any OAR meeting, the Legal Issues Forum featured attorney Todd Collis addressing "Is Your Web Site a Lawsuit Waiting to Happen?" Among the topics discussed: the value of Internet advertising; social media sites (i.e. Facebook, Twitter and blogs); and the liabilities involved if not administered properly. In addition, OAR's Peg Ritenour discussed the license law and Code of Ethics requirements for Internet marketing and social media sites.
• The Professional Development Forum featured Dana Smith, manager of real estate relations, Ohio Housing Finance Agency, discussing the organization's newest offerings to assist real estate professionals.
• The Appraisal Committee featured Danitra Kourkounakis, investigation supervisor in appraisal enforcement and Ed Woodruff, division counsel and certified residential appraiser, Ohio Division of Real Estate & Professional Licensing, on recent updates from a regulator perspective.
• Directors passed a resolution in memory of OAR Past President Marvin Yerke, who passed away on Nov. 27, 2009.
• Dayton REALTOR Steve Brown provided a comprehensive update on his candidacy for the 2014 NAR President post. To date, he's received endorsements from 47 states and territories.
• NAR Region #6 Vice President Darlene Breen urged participation in the Broker Involvement Program and support for NAR's Major RPAC Donor program. In addition, she encouraged members to investigate joining NAR's Credit Union, which offers competitive interest rates.
• Remember how I mentioned that attendees were able to find a little time to mix in pleasure with the business? Our RPAC event afforded everyone the opportunity to shine as members took the stage at a special Karaoke Night event. Some amazing talent took the spotlight for a worthwhile cause...with our vitally important RPAC campaign raising nearly $2,000 from the festivities.
• Our Residential Property Management & Investment Forum featured OAR's Peg Ritenour who addressed "Managing Property in Foreclosure or Bankruptcy."
• The Local Government Forum explored "Septic Legislation--Where Are You Now?" with special guests Rebecca Fugitt, program manager, Residential Water and Sewage Program, Ohio Department of Health and Chris Schraff, attorney, Porter Wright Morris and Arthur.
• Today's hottest issues took the spotlight at a combined meeting of our Business Technology Forum and Young Professionals Network, as REALTOR Brian Copeland presented "Creating Buyer Urgency in a Challenged Market" and "Taking Your Business Completely Mobile."
• The Equal Opportunity/Diversity Committee featured Matt Miko, Civil Rights Advantage Consulting Group, addressing "Beyond Litigation: Affirmative Marketing Efforts and Other Strategies for Advancing Voluntary Compliance."
• On the public policy front, OAR agreed to:
  • Support HB 33 which achieves two objectives the organization had regarding "Meth Labs"--that the standards for clean-up be in compliance with the EPA's Voluntary Guidelines and that a remediated property be removed from the database and no longer be required to be disclosed on the property disclosure form.
    
  • Support HB 362 which only requires a simple check-off on the disclosure form as to whether carbon monoxide detectors and fire extinguishers are installed properly in the property.
    
  • Oppose HB 487 which would impose a conveyance fee for housing programs. While Ohio has a relatively low rate of conveyance fees compared to other states across the country, these fees, no matter how small, inject another financial hurdle into the real estate transaction. OAR steadfastly supports affordable housing programs, but opposes placing another burden on property owners. Giving counties the authority to levy above the current 3 mils required in statute opens the door for an increase in the conveyance fee down the road.
    
  • OAR will monitor HB 408 which concerns condominium liens. At least seven other states are considering priority lien legislation, primarily because in some situations banks have stopped making loans for units where the association is facing bankruptcy. In Ohio, this legislation is being promoted as a means for keeping associations solvent thus protecting current owners' investments. We'll monitor this legislation and work to make sure any solution benefits condo owners and does not negatively impact the availability of credit.

As you can see, it was a highly productive Spring Conference. I appreciate the opportunity you have given me to represent your interests at OAR.

By the way...mark you calendars for Sept. 12-15 and make plans to attend OAR's 100th Annual Convention in Cincinnati. You'll be glad you did!